A trace of heartache crossed the Queen's face, and she could no longer maintain her kindly expression. "If there is something the Jade-Scepter Young Master wishes to know, simply ask. Why frighten others like this?"
Feng Qi grinned. "Since you managed to become Queen, I assumed you were at least a little different from the fools. Do you still not understand what our Hall Master means?"
Those words were vicious indeed. Having occupied a lofty position for so many years, when had the Queen ever suffered such humiliation? But outnumbered as she was, there seemed to be no better option than compromise.
The Queen opened her mouth, intending to recount everything from the beginning, though for her own selfish reasons, she planned to conceal some of it.
Before she could begin, however, Feng Qi cut in again.
"Let's make this clear beforehand: we only want the truth. If you think you can fool us with half-truths... do you think we'll notice?
Of course, you're welcome to try. But I'm afraid the consequences of trying to lie won't be something you can bear."
As Feng Qi spoke, he glanced at the unconscious Jiao Zhen.
How could the Queen fail to recognize their threat?
A faint chill gathered in the Queen's eyes. A moment later, she suddenly smiled. "I've certainly learned how the Enforcement Hall operates!"
Feng Qi had long since grown accustomed to being shameless. Handling this sort of sarcasm was second nature to him, and he felt no embarrassment whatsoever. Still grinning, he replied, "That's how we've always been. No need to be surprised."
That retort made the Queen grit her teeth, but in the end, she chose to compromise.
What followed was the Queen's account alone.
From the plans Jiao Zhu had begun laying ten years ago to the